Help for Troubled Marriages
When difficulties in marriage are serious enough to threaten the marital bond, spouses need a place to go for help and support.
On their wedding day, Catholic married couples promise to love and honor each other every day for the rest of their lives. Marriage is a journey filled with ups and downs, and when couples don't feel loving toward each other, a decision to love and to accept the grace of the sacrament can get them through times of turmoil. When difficulties in marriage are serious enough to threaten the marital bond, spouses need a place to go for help and support.
The first thing spouses in troubled marriages need to know is they are not alone. The health and happiness of all married couples is of great concern to the Catholic Church in every diocese and every parish. Here in the Diocese of Trenton, many parishes are staffed with priests, deacons and lay ministry professionals who are highly skilled in aiding married couples and families with all kinds of crisis situations. They can also connect families to helpful programs, organizations, and professionals in their local community.
RETROUVAILLE: A LIFELINE FOR TROUBLED MARRIAGES
If you and your spouse are discouraged and tired of struggling with the challenges of married life, Retrouvaille (www.retrouvaille.org) may be the answer. Retrouvaille is an international program which helps couples who are experiencing problems in their marriages. This is your opportunity to reestablish communication, gain new insights and to remember what was wonderful about your marriage.
The program is presented by three married couples and a Retrouvaille-trained priest. The team couples offer hope as they share their personal stories of struggle, reconciliation, and healing. The weekend and the six follow-up mandatory post sessions help couples to reflect on the strengths, as well as the difficulties, in their marital relationship.
For more information about the diocesan Retrouvaille program, contact Pat Martin at 609-403-7207 or pmarti@dioceseoftrenton.org.
Resources for Troubled Marriages